Real Madrid aim at overturning deficit in King's Cup return leg

Madrid: Spanish football club Real Madrid will look to their vociferous fans to overturn a 0-2 deficit against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the last 16 stage of the King's Cup this week while Barcelona have no such worries after beating Elche 5-0.

Elche coach Fran Escriba is likely to field a team of fringe players as is Barcelona boss Luis Enrique for the match.

The return leg matches kick off with Malaga looking to defend a 2-0 lead away to struggling Levante, who like Elche, have also placed Primera Liga survival above the need to progress in the Cup.

Espanyol and Valencia should offer more interest as Espanyol, who are strong at home, look to overturn a 1-2 first leg defeat, knowing a 1-0 win would be enough to see them into the last eight stage.

Wednesday sees Real Sociedad look to overturn a 1-0 first leg defeat at home to a skillful Villarreal side in a game where the Basques will need to stop their rivals from scoring an away goal.

Athletic Club Bilbao will look to forget their dreadful league form and advance after last week's 4-2 win away against Celta Vigo. Celta need to score three goals to have a chance of progressing, something which looks unlikely, while Athletic have to find some form after Sunday's league defeat to Elche.

Sevilla will also expect to progress after winning 2-1 in Granada in a game where they looked clearly superior to their opponents, who gave themselves a lifeline with a 90th minute goal from substitute Lass.

Finally Getafe and Almeria will decide matters after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, although given both side's league form the Cup is a distraction both could probably do without.